Brief Overview of Σατάν (Strong’s G4566: Satan)

Strong’s G4566: Indeclinable form of the Hebrew שָׂטָן (satan), meaning “adversary.” Used once in Paul’s discussion of his thorn in the flesh, representing a messenger of Satan. This specific form demonstrates the direct Hebrew influence on New Testament Greek in theological contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σατάν represents a direct transliteration of the Hebrew word for adversary into Greek text. Its single appearance in 2 Corinthians 12:7 occurs in Paul’s deeply personal discussion of his “thorn in the flesh,” described as a messenger of Satan. The early church saw in this usage both the reality of spiritual opposition and God’s sovereign purpose in allowing such affliction for spiritual benefit. Today, this word reminds us that even spiritual opposition can serve God’s sanctifying purposes in believers’ lives.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σατάν, Satan, /sa-tan’/
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘sa’ as in ‘father’, ‘tan’ as in ‘tan’
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Direct transliteration of Hebrew שָׂטָן (satan)
• Root meaning “to oppose” or “to accuse”
• Preserved in indeclinable form from Hebrew

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: The Adversary
• Secondary meaning: The Accuser
• Contextual meaning: Source of affliction under God’s control

Translation Options:

• Satan – Direct transliteration
• Adversary – Functional translation
• The Opposer – Descriptive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Σατανᾶς (Satanas) /sat-an-as’/ – Declined Greek form of the same name. See G4567
• ἀντικείμενος (antikeimenos) /an-tik-i’-men-os/ – One who opposes. See G480

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a proper noun:

• Case: Indeclinable
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: None (remains unchanged)

As a transliterated Hebrew name, it maintains its form regardless of grammatical function, reflecting its direct Hebrew origin.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes this as the indeclinable form appearing once in NT. Thayer’s distinguishes it from the declined form Σατανᾶς. LSJ identifies it as a Semitism. Vine’s connects it to Paul’s personal struggle. Strong’s emphasizes its Hebrew origin. Moulton and Milligan note its rarity compared to the declined form.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 12:7: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan [Σατάν] to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σατάν, in its single New Testament appearance, reveals how God can use even spiritual opposition for His purposes. The good news shines through as we see that Satan’s messengers can become instruments in God’s hands for keeping His servants humble and dependent on His grace.

D – Did You Know?

1. This form appears only once in the New Testament
2. It represents the most direct Hebrew transliteration possible in Greek
3. Early church writers saw profound theological significance in Paul’s use of this form

Strong’s G4566: Indeclinable Hebrew transliteration of שָׂטָן, appearing once in Paul’s discussion of his “thorn in the flesh.” Represents spiritual opposition permitted by God for sanctifying purposes, demonstrating divine sovereignty over adversarial forces.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: adversary, paul’s-thorn, spiritual-opposition, divine-sovereignty, hebrew-transliteration, suffering, sanctification, spiritual-warfare, god’s-purposes, humility​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​